Most of us knit or crochet to relax. What do you do?I love to cook. As with knitting and crochet, I love to take "nothing" and turn it into something. I love to pull things from the closet, and figure out what I want it to be, work out the concept and cook away. Guess that's why I'm on Weight Watchers now.

What's the most unlikely place you've ever knitted or crocheted?

On the treadmill. I hate to exercise, and I always need to keep my hands busy. It works well until you really start to sweat or the yarn falls on the tread and through your legs.

Which knitting and crochet luminaries (living or dead) would you invite to a dream dinner party?

I'd invite all of XRX Teacher's. We all see each other 4 times a year but it is often just in passing. I would love to share experiences, stories and adventures with them.

Tell us about your most unusual teaching experience.

I was teaching a class at STITCHES and a few of the students came to class as friends. We were working on a technique and one of the friends only wanted me to be wrong. She kept insisting that the technique wouldn't work. I kept assuring her that I knew what I was doing. All the way up to break, we kept having this back and forth. After break, three of the four friends moved seats and the one who still didn't think the technique would work stayed in place. As things came together, I was right it did work. I love the visual parts of class and sometimes it just takes time to get there. The friends that moved kept apologizing and it wasn't necessary. I have to admit that the one who only wanted me to be wrong is now one of my best knitting friends. Yeah.

What's your favorite tool in your knitting bag? Why?

My camera. So many of my ideas and designs come from curved pieces or corners or colors or pleats or colors or fabric. It's so hard to remember everything and this way I have it captured for when I'm ready to turn it into something.

What's the latest knitting or crochet technique you learned that rocked your world?

I just learned an advanced technique for Tunisian Crochet. I have never been an avid crochet person. This new technique combines all that I love about knitting but is done with a Tunisian Hook. Best of both worlds.

When you look at another designer's work, what makes you say "wow"?

Fit. I love to see garments that fit beautifully on the body, no matter what size.

Have you ever seen one of your designs on someone "in the wild"? What's that feeling like?

This happens quite often. When it is in my yarn, it makes my heart beat and my ego shine. When it is in another companies yarn, it can be a bit painful. Just the honest truth.

As a famous knitting (or crochet) teacher, you must travel a lot. Â Do you have any secret airport vices you'd like to share?

I always travel with wood needles as they don't scan. I can't imagine traveling without my knitting and I've had so much taken from security. I also have to make sure that I have some snacks, can't depend on peanuts in a bag.Â

One last thing, what are you most looking forward to about STITCHES?

Seeing friends. Knitting truly brings people together and no one does it better than a STITCHES Event. It doesn't matter that we haven't seen each other for a year. We pick up, catch up, love, laugh, shop, share and ship stuff home until we meet again at the next show. STITCHES means family.